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“The use of equines in developing countries should be viewed
in a
forward, rather than a backward looking light”
HarnessAid Outline…
In developing countries harness
related injuries to working equines are common and are the direct cause of
unnecessary suffering and distress.
From my experience as
a long serving, practicing harness and horse collar manufacturer in the U.K. and my participation in
animal welfare projects in Central America and Africa, I have a broad
understanding of the difficulties faced by equines and their users in
developing countries.
Having researched
many of the problems relating to equine harnessing, I have no hesitation in
saying that ‘most of them are
preventable.’…Terry Davis.
With this in mind and to create a better understanding in the
use and manufacture of harness systems used by draught animals worldwide,
Harness-Aid was established.
Our aim…
Is to educate, advise and instruct on appropriate, sustainable
methods of equine harness manufacture in developing countries, providing
practical solutions to practical problems.
Research has shown that the use of
equines in many developing countries is, by comparison, a relatively new
concept. Consequently, management/usage proficiency is lacking and the
necessary understanding and affiliated skills to sustain their usage,
undeveloped.
Using skills and
knowledge acquired from long-term harness manufacturing in the U.K. Harness-Aid
seeks to address the issue of draught animal harnessing in developing countries
by advising on sustainable, comfortable, cost effective, efficient methods of
harnessing with minimum risk of injury.
Through the introduction of
appropriate skills training programmes significant improvements are feasible.
The opportunity
to establish small businesses catering for
local equine requirements is presented, offering considerable benefits to the
community at large through increased productivity resulting from improved
‘working conditions’ for equines.
While
materials and harness construction methods vary from country to country, the
basic, underlying principles of equine harnessing remain the same. Successful
harnessing, regardless of materials and construction methods used, is dependent
upon a range of skills and long established criteria that if understood and
adhered too, will lead to tangible solutions. These principles are applicable
to equine harnessing worldwide.
Harness-Aid, in its
efforts to transfer this simple technology to developing countries makes no attempt
to initiate methods of harnessing that would be impracticable.
In the first instance the approach is to
modify ‘existing harness’. However, in many cases ‘existing harness’ sometimes
bares little resemblance to harness ‘per se’ and to modify it, nay on
impossible.
Modifications
are possible providing the underlying rudimentary principles relating to animal
draught are inherent in the design. In
many cases they are not. Click << Consensus
>>
It therefore becomes necessary to create
harness ‘fit for purpose’. This must start with an understanding of these
principals and of how harness and its component parts function both
independently and as a whole, relative to the movement of the animal.
In establishing these, the complexities of
harness manufacture can be lessened and construction methods, using a variety
of materials, made easier.
. ……Further details on initiatives are
available upon request.
Harness-Aid is a non-profit enterprise that is, in part, funded by our harness-manufacturing base and by the generosity of our growing number of supporters.
Should
you wish to show your support you can register with us for the small annual sum
of £25.00 and you will receive regular updates on issues relating to equine
harness development in developing countries.
In
addition, you are very welcome to visit our workshop (by appointment) to see
‘work in progress’ and to further discuss our aims.
With
your support, the transference of this much needed, important technology to
areas where it’s most needed is made possible.
We
offer practical, highly professional, long lasting solutions to harness related
difficulties experienced by equine users that can make a difference. Not only
will users benefit, the incidence of injury to hard working equines can also be
greatly reduced.
If you have any specific harness related problems or
queries and require assistance, please forward details and we will do our
utmost to provide you with simple, uncomplicated solutions.
Details to : harnessaid@yahoo.co.uk
If you feel able to assist either financially or in any other way, we would be very pleased to hear from you. << Support>>
